Maxime Bernier, former federal cabinet minister and leader of the People’s Party of Canada, testifies on the structure and impact of Canada’s supply management system governing dairy, poultry, and eggs. Drawing on his experience in government and economic policy, he describes the system as a state-supported cartel that controls production, fixes prices, and restricts competition through quotas and tariffs.
Bernier outlines how supply management contributes to higher food prices for Canadian consumers, limits market access for non-supply-managed farmers, and affects international trade negotiations—particularly with the United States. He discusses the historical origins of the system, its political entrenchment, and the challenges of reform, including quota buybacks and transition strategies. He also addresses broader implications for food affordability, market access, and agricultural competitiveness in Canada.